COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Friday, January 13, a joint operation was conducted by several Ohio law enforcement agencies in the city of Salem to target human trafficking and identify those who solicit and perpetuate it in the area. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Investigative Unit, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salem Police Department, and the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force all participated in the operation.
As a result of undercover operations, three individuals were arrested for engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools.
Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent, said in a statement, “We conduct details like this one in a continuous effort to reduce the demand that fuels human trafficking and exploitation in our communities. Through these collaborations, we can collectively focus on our shared mission to stop human trafficking and educate Ohioans.”